Making the reader believe is the authors job. It’s an art, and it’s a craft. Just because my Blue Angels are of an alien nature doesn’t mean I can’t make them real to the reader. All the information I use in my books is steeped in known cultural elements, like the Old Testament, ancient Sanskrit texts describing Blue Gods waging war overhead in flying chariots of fire. There is also the Native American legends of shape-shifters, skinwalkers, and entire populations abducted by Star People, due to return sometime in the future.

I raided a few of these themes for my novels, not only because they fascinate me, but because I believe they resonate among readers. The secret in making any story believable is to anchor it in gritty reality, or in familiar lore. Many believe in angels, either as spiritual guides or as religious symbols. Others believe we have been visited by aliens in the ancient or recent past – almost half of the US population, according to a recent survey – and the numbers are growing. So a story about aliens posturing as angels is not so farfetched… If you watch the History Channel or History International about Ancient Aliens or UFO research, you know exactly what I mean.

The hero of the Archangel twin books, CRUSADER and CHECKMATE, is named Michael, and not by accident. He never suspected he was a half-human reincarnation of the great Archangel warrior. He had a rough childhood on the Reservation and has fallen low among the human ranks. But he fathered a daughter, his pride and joy, and he has a classy girlfriend for whom he works very hard and tries to better himself. Still, his feelings of inadequacy drive him to drink more than he should. This is an anti-hero anyone can relate to. We all know this type of handsome, roguish alpha male.

When the call comes from above to fulfill his destiny, Michael first disbelieves. Drinking leads to hallucinations, right? Then as the reality of his birth starts to sinks in, he is neither enthused, nor ready for the hardships ahead. But destiny has a way of asserting itself. When evil strikes his girlfriend and targets his daughter, Michael, a fiercely loyal family man, has no other choice but heed the call.

But the arduous road to becoming the shining angel he aspires to be is full of pitfalls. Here again, the reader can relate to his flawed journey. Alcoholism is a difficult demon to overcome. But like all mythological heroes (yes I borrow ideas there, too), he gets help from a powerful source. Help yourself, and heaven will help you. Thats the familiar, accepted rule.

Whether they believe in angels, or aliens, or none of the above, readers can relate to the human drama and Michael’s fight to save what is good and decent. Since I pride myself in making the unbelievable totally believable, the best compliment I received from readers of this twin series, besides “I couldn’t tear myself from that book,” was “It could be happening right now, and we wouldnt even know it.” Then I knew I had hit my mark.

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CRUSADER – Archangel book One:

Michael Tanner, proud, brash, irreverent, half Native American, and single father, doesn’t believe in aliens. When a Blue Angel claims to have fathered him, Michael knows his drinking has gone haywire… But a seductive Prince of Darkness born of a nightmare now targets Michaels family. When his girlfriend disappears and characters from his dreams suddenly materialize to threaten his daughter, Michael must come out of denial and overcome his weaknesses, to face the unbelievable mystery of his birth and fulfill his unique destiny.

“…engaging and fast-paced… a harmonious mix of enticing story… where real people do extraordinary things… humorous and hopeful… fluid and entertaining… quick and often droll dialogue… a marvelous tale of good and evil…” The Charlotte Austin Review

“…Lavishly described, expertly written with stirring descriptions that take one’s breath away. Author Schartz has written a solidly absorbing, old-fashioned science fiction novel of good and evil, yes and no, the one and the many.” – The Book Reader

“…relationships, angels, aliens and seduction… even Satanism… kept this reviewer riveted… compelling fantasy… you won’t want to put it down… superior… enthralls, and, at the same time, awakens!” – Metaphysical Reviews

“A mighty fine tale primed to read through in one sitting.” – Curled Up With a Good Book.

CHECKMATE – Archangel Book Two:

To quench his vengeful lust for the Archangel who scattered his remains at the edge of the universe, the Reptilian ruler orders the sacrificial death of Michael’s teenage daughter. Half human and a full-fledged Archangel on his father’s home world, Michael must return to Earth to save his daughter from fiendish claws, and his native planet from enslavement or worse… But the way home is fraught with dangers, some more insidious than others. Nothing prepared Michael for the kind of trial he must face, when his rambunctious past catches up with him at the worst possible time…

“Sword-and-shield adventure… aliens and angels and dreams truer than life and depraved shapeshifters and evil sorcerers and parallel universes… Funny and sad and very intelligent.” – The Book Reader

“Wickedly insightful. Grab this today along with the prequel, Crusader.” – Five stars – Curled up With a Good Book

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About Linda Andrews

Linda Andrews lives with her husband and three children in Phoenix, Arizona. When she announced to her family that her paranormal romance was to be published, her sister pronounce: "What else would she write? She’s never been normal."
All kidding aside, writing has become a surprising passion. So just how did a scientist start to write paranormal romances? What other option is there when you’re married to romantic man and live in a haunted house?
If you’ve enjoyed her stories or want to share your own paranormal experience feel free to email the author at www.lindaandrews.net She’d love to hear from you.

1 Response to Making Readers Believe in Angels and Aliens by Vijaya Schartz

Thank you, Linda, for posting this article. Both books are now available in eBook format at ARe, Amazon Kindle, Omnilit, Smashwords, and in a few days at B&N in nook, Kobo, Sony, and all the regular eBook distributors.